Wednesday, May 3, 2000
Ninety-Fourth Regular Session
The Chief Clerk makes the following entries under the above date.
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The following Senate Bills failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.
Senate Bills 274, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528 and 529.
The following Assembly Bill failed concurrence pursuant to Senate Joint Resoluiton 1.
Assembly Bill 497.
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
April 19, 2000
The Honorable, The Legislature:
We have completed an evaluation of the enforcement of prevailing wage laws by the departments of Workforce Development (DWD) and Transportation (DOT), as requested by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Prevailing wage laws require contractors engaged in public works projects to pay construction workers wages that are at least comparable to those earned for similar private-sector work in the same county.
DWD determines prevailing wage rates in each county for 233 job classifications by conducting an annual survey of construction contractors. The survey process generally provides accurate results but is time-consuming and prevents DWD staff from fulfilling other duties. We provide recommendations for improving the efficiency of the process.
Both DWD and DOT enforce compliance with the law by investigating workers' complaints that they have not been paid appropriate wages. In 1998, DWD completed 116 complaint investigations and collected $125,811 in back wages owed by contractors. On average, DWD required 304 days to complete an investigation. DOT appears to complete its investigations in considerably less time, and in 1998 collected $140,700 in back wages owed. DOT also monitors compliance by reviewing contractors' weekly payroll reports independent of formal complaints.
Neither agency typically invokes statutorily available penalty options against contractors that violate prevailing wage statutes, such as monetary damages beyond the back wages owed or debarment from public contracts. We include options for the Legislature to consider if it wishes to increase the enforcement efforts of the agencies.
We appreciated the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by DWD and DOT. Their responses are Appendix II and Appendix III.
Sincerely,
Janice Mueller
State Auditor
State of Wisconsin
May 3, 2000
The Honorable, The Senate:
Pursuant to Senate Rule
20 (2)(a), I have appointed Senator Alice Clausing to the Joint Committee on Finance, and removed Senator Kevin Shibilski.
Sincerely,
Chuck Chvala
Chair, Committee on Senate Organization
State of Wisconsin
May 3, 2000
The Honorable, The Senate:
Pursuant to Senate Rule
20 (2)(a), I have appointed Senator Kevin Shibilski to the Joint Committee on Finance, and removed Senator Alice Clausing.
Sincerely,
Chuck Chvala
Chair, Committee on Senate Organization
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By Charles Sanders, chief clerk.
Mr. President:
I am directed to inform you that the Assembly has concurred in:
Senate Joint Resolution 42
Senate amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 700
Senate amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 742
Senate amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 778
Senate substitute amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 892
Senate substitute amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 942
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Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 125
Senate Bill 373
Presented to the Governor on May 2, 2000.
